A team of pastors from Jesus Winners Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, are set to splash a staggering Kshs2.8 billion in acquiring a piece of land in the city.
According to court filings by UBA Bank, the pastors are set to acquire the multi-billion shilling Kasarani land linked to Uchumi Supermarket.
The pastors will purchase the land through their company Jewel Complex Limited whose majority shares are reportedly owned by Edward Mwai Kiongo at 36.36 per cent.
The other shares are owned by fellow Jesus Winners Ministry leader and faithfuls including Paul Gichohi Mutune (9.09 %) shares, Agnes Wanjiku Kiongo (18.18%), Raphael Mwiti Thiaru (18.18%) and James Kiongo Mwai (18.18%).
Uchumi has entered into an agreement with Jewel Complex to sell the land hoping to use the proceeds to settle its woes with creditors and suppliers.
"Kasarani Mall Limited has entered into an agreement for the sale and purchase of the said land reference number 25544, Nairobi dated September 17, 2018 for the sum of Ksh2,800,000,000 with Jewel Complex Limited," UBA Bank’s legal officer Maureen Gacheru filed in a court application seeking a share of the sale proceeds to clear an outstanding loan.
Jewel Complex Limited has allegedly paid Kshs330 million deposit on the transaction which is underway.
The prime land is owned by Kasarani Mall - a subsidiary of Uchumi Supermarkets.
The retail chain owes suppliers over Kshs3.6 billion meaning that even after the sale of the land, Uchumi will need to secure additional funding to help it out of its current financial distress.
On the other hand, Jesus Winners Ministry has been popular especially among the political elite including President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
For instance, the two attended the church for their last church service and prayers, two days before the August 8 General Elections last year.
Two months after he assumed power, the President visited the church on June 30, 2013.
